Thunderbowl Raceway kicks-off season with World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series two-step on March 9 and 10

By Gary Thomas

Tulare, CA – February 7, 2018…It’s become an annual tradition to open the Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway season with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and that is once again the case this year, with the “Greatest Show on Dirt” set for a double dose of action on March 9 and 10.

This season marks the 15th overall year that Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare hosts the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series. The inaugural event occurred in September of 2003 when 20-time series champion Steve Kinser of Bloomington, Indiana scored the victory over Aliquippa, Pennsylvania’s Tim Shaffer and local favorite Jason Meyers of Clovis. Last season saw Watertown, Connecticut’s David Gravel and Fargo, North Dakota’s Donny Schatz pick off wins respectively.

Also competing both nights in March will be the Wingless Sprints of the USAC West Coast 360 Series. Along with the March weekend the tour is also set to compete at the Thunderbowl during both nights of the Peter Murphy Classic in May, as well as the Chris and Brian Faria Memorial on June 2. Last season Jake Swanson earned a pair of wins en route to his first career USAC West Coast Series title. A full field of wingless warriors will be on hand alongside the World of Outlaws giving fans the best of both worlds.

Something new this season at the Thunderbowl will be the annual Peter Murphy Classic moving to May, with it once again held as a double header weekend. Friday May 18 will feature the Elk Grove Ford Sprint Car Challenge Tour presented by Abreu Vineyards, while Saturday May 19 showcases the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series. The season-ending 25th annual Trophy Cup in October is also geared up to be the biggest weekend of racing in the history of Thunderbowl Raceway.

“We’re really excited to have the World of Outlaws return to Thunderbowl Raceway once again in March,” said track promoter Steve Faria. “When you add in the USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Cars to the Outlaw weekend I think it gives everyone the best show possible. If you’re a Sprint Car fan it’s a weekend you want to check out. It should be a great season in Tulare and we look forward to having some major events once again with the Peter Murphy Classic moving to May and of course the 25th Trophy Cup in October.”

Tickets are on sale for the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series/ USAC West Coast 360 Sprint Car Series weekend on March 9 and 10 and can be acquired by calling 559-688-0909. All seating in the house is reserved, with grandstand tickets $45 on Friday and $50 on Saturday. Bleacher tickets are $40 on Friday and $45 on Saturday. Kids 6-12 are half price and 5 and under are free.

Other highlights on the schedule this season include the USAC/CRA Wingless 410 Sprint Car Series and USAC Western Midgets on April 14, the Spring Nationals featuring KWS-NARC and the Civil War 360 Sprint Car Series presented by Flowmaster on April 21, plus a stand-alone event for Civil War and the All Star Modifieds on May 5. As previously noted the annual Chris and Brian Faria Memorial moves to June 2 this year and showcases KWS-NARC, the USAC West Coast Sprints and Western RaceSaver’s.

The Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds on the corner of Bardsley and K Streets in Tulare, California. From the junction of SR 99 and SR 137, go west on SR 137. At South K go south one-half mile to the Fairgrounds.

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Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway 2018 Schedule

Friday March 9: World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series and USAC West Coast 360 Sprints
Saturday March 10: World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series, USAC West Coast 360 Sprints and Legends of Kearney Bowl